When purchasing a vehicle or waiting for permanent registration, drivers may need a temporary license plate (often called a temporary tag) to legally operate their vehicle on Pennsylvania roads.
In Pennsylvania, temporary tags are issued as 60-day in-transit registrations, not 30-day tags.
Understanding when these tags are used and how to obtain one can help you avoid delays, penalties, or registration issues.
What Is a Temporary License Plate?
A temporary license plate allows a vehicle to be legally driven while permanent registration and titling paperwork is being processed.
Temporary tags are commonly issued when:
- A vehicle is purchased from a dealership
- A title transfer is still being completed
- A vehicle is being registered in Pennsylvania from another state
- Permanent plates are being processed or mailed by PennDOT
Each temporary tag includes an expiration date and cannot be used beyond that date.
60-Day Temporary Tags in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania issues 60-day in-transit temporary registrations to provide sufficient time for processing vehicle paperwork.
When 60-Day Temporary Tags Are Used
A 60-day temporary tag may be issued when:
- You purchase a vehicle and registration is being finalized
- Title work is still in process
- A vehicle is being transferred from out of state
- Additional documentation is required (such as lienholder information)
- PennDOT processing times require additional time
Because title and registration processing can vary, the 60-day period helps ensure drivers remain compliant while paperwork is completed.
Important Things to Know About Temporary Tags
- Valid for 60 days only from the issue date
- Non-renewable: they cannot be extended
- Must be issued by an authorized PennDOT agent or dealer, like CNS Licensing Center
- Must be properly displayed on the vehicle
- Expired tags can result in fines, penalties, or enforcement action
What You Need to Get a Temporary Tag
To obtain a temporary registration plate, you’ll typically need:
- Proof of vehicle ownership or bill of sale
- Valid Pennsylvania auto insurance
- Government-issued identification
- Title or registration paperwork in process
An authorized agent will review and verify your documents before issuing the tag.
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What Happens When a Temporary Tag Expires?
Temporary tags are not renewable.
If your permanent registration isn’t completed before expiration:
- You may need to correct or resubmit paperwork
- You cannot legally operate the vehicle until registration is finalized
Driving with an expired temporary tag can lead to citations and penalties, so timing is critical.
How CNS Licensing Can Help
Temporary registrations are often part of larger vehicle services, including:
- Title transfers
- Out-of-state vehicle registrations
- New resident registrations
- Plate replacements
As a PennDOT authorized agent, CNS Licensing can help you:
- Obtain a 60-day temporary tag
- Complete title and registration paperwork
- Handle out-of-state transfers
- Get valid plates as quickly as possible
In many cases, customers can leave with completed registration and plates the same day.
If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle or are waiting on paperwork, CNS Licensing can help you navigate the process quickly and correctly.
Bring your documents, and we’ll make sure your vehicle is properly registered and road-ready.
If you have any questions, call (717) 625-7355 or email at info@cnslicensing.com.
